Causes and Risk Factors
Alcohol and tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco,
sometimes called "chewing tobacco" or "snuff") are
the two most important risk factors for head and
neck cancers, especially cancers of the oral cavity,
oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. At least 75
percent of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco
and alcohol use. People who use both tobacco and
alcohol are at greater
risk of developing these
cancers than people who
use either tobacco or
alcohol alone. Tobacco
and alcohol use are not
risk factors for salivary
gland cancers.
Infection with cancer-
causing types of human
papillomavirus (HPV),
especially HPV-16, is
a risk factor for some
types of head and neck
cancers, particularly
oropharyngeal cancers
that involve the tonsils
or the base of the tongue.
Symptoms
The symptoms of head
and neck cancers may
include a lump or a sore
that does not heal, a sore
throat that does not go
away, difficulty in swallowing, and a change or hoarseness
in the voice. These symptoms may also be caused by other,
less serious conditions. It is important to check with a
doctor or dentist about any of these symptoms.
Diagnosis
To find the cause of the signs or symptoms of a problem
in the head and neck area, a doctor evaluates a person's
medical history, performs a physical examination, and
may order diagnostic tests. The exams and tests may
vary depending on the symptoms. Examination of a
sample of tissue under a microscope is always necessary
to confirm a diagnosis of cancer.
Treatment
The treatment plan
for an individual
patient depends
on a number of
factors, including
the exact location
of the tumor, the
stage of the cancer,
and the person's age
and general health.
Treatment for head
and neck cancer
can include surgery,
radiation therapy,
c h e m o t h e r a p y ,
targeted therapy, or
a combination of
treatments.
As always, be sure
to consult your
physician if any
of the symptoms
mentioned above
should arise. Please contact one of our Nurse Navigators
if you have any questions or need assistance securing a
referral as we would be happy to help: (509) 737-3432.
Article reproduced courtesy of the National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov
T R I - C I T I E S
At the Tri-Cities Cancer Center we most commonly
treat
Head and Neck Cancers with IMRT (Intensity
Modulated Radiation Therapy)
IMRT is used to treat head and neck cancers, prostate
cancer, and certain types of abdominal cancer. This type
of therapy tightly conforms the radiation distribution
to the irregular shape of a tumor. Instead of treating a
tumor with a few uniform flat beams, IMRT treats the
tumor with several small beams of different intensities.
The intensity of each of these individual beams is
optimized to directly target and destroy the tumor.
Radiation Therapists at the Cancer Center use an
advanced type of IMRT that is fitted with a multi-leaf
collimator, a device with a series of computer controlled
mobile apertures that subdivide radiation beams into
many "beamlets" aimed in various directions, providing
varying intensities of radiation.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Tuesday, April 16th, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Brandon Bunnage, DO
According to the American Cancer Society, excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer
found in both men and women in the U.S. Colorectal cancer does not usually have symptoms until it progresses, therefore,
screening is necessary to detect colorectal cancer in its early stages. Dr. Brandon Bunnage, a surgeon with Kadlec Clinic,
will provide a greater understanding of colorectal cancer as he presents valuable information regarding colorectal cancer
including: prevention, sign and symptoms, screening options and treatment. FREE take-home kits will be available
at this event. A complimentary lunch will be provided with a reservation, provided by The Manor at Canyon Lakes.
Please RSVP by April 14th:
(509) 737-3427 or online at www.tccancer.org
NEW GROUP FORMING!
Tri-Cities Cancer Support Group is for anyone who has had a diagnosis of cancer and would like support to talk
about the challenges they face. The group meets the first and third Thursday of each month from 10:00-11:30.
Meetings are held at the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. For more information contact Margaret Ley 737-3400.